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Attorney-General Explains US$235m Teshie Desalination Award

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Ghana’s Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, has explained the financial implications of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration over the Teshie Desalination Plant, stressing that Ghana was not ordered to pay the full approximately US$402 million initially claimed by Befesa and Standard Bank.

The clarification follows two final arbitral awards issued in September 2026 in disputes involving Befesa Desalination Developments Ghana Limited, Standard Bank of South Africa Limited, Ghana Water Company Limited and the Republic of Ghana.

According to the Office of the Attorney-General, the tribunal found that Befesa had validly terminated its Water Purchase Agreement with Ghana Water and was entitled to contractual termination payments. The tribunal, however, rejected the separate claim for approximately US$402 million in alleged unpaid water charges, ruling that the two claims could not be recovered cumulatively.

The tribunal instead awarded approximately US$235 million, net of taxes, to the claimants as termination payments. The amount included pre-award interest calculated to March 31, 2026, while further interest on the debt component is accruing from April 1, 2026.

The Attorney-General’s Office said the US$235 million award represented 58.4 per cent of the approximately US$402 million monetary claim used as the benchmark. The claimants were consequently awarded 58.4 per cent of their reasonable defence and representation costs.

A parallel arbitration was also brought against the Republic of Ghana under the state guarantee. The Attorney-General said the decision in that case substantially followed the award involving Ghana Water and principally held Ghana responsible for liabilities arising from the utility’s obligations.

Meanwhile, the government has been negotiating with Befesa to acquire the Teshie Desalination Plant at a price significantly below the amounts involved in the arbitration. The negotiations began before the final award was issued.

The proposed acquisition would give the state full ownership of the facility while helping secure continued water supply to communities in the eastern part of Accra. The government says significant progress has been made in the negotiations and hopes to conclude them so the plant can return to full operation.

The Teshie Desalination Plant has been at the centre of a prolonged contractual dispute involving its Water Purchase Agreement with Ghana Water. The latest developments have placed renewed attention on the financial obligations attached to the project, the arbitration award and the government’s efforts to reach a negotiated resolution.

For now, the government’s position is that the US$235 million award should be viewed alongside the tribunal’s rejection of the separate US$402 million claim and the ongoing negotiations to potentially acquire the facility at a lower cost.

Obuasi SDA JHS Wins Aseda FM Science and Maths Quiz 2026

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Obuasi SDA Basic School has emerged as champions of the 3rd Edition of the Aseda 92.3 FM Science and Maths Radio Quiz Competition 2026, reaffirming the school’s strong record in the competition.

The competition, organized by Aseda FM in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service – Obuasi Municipality and Obuasi East, together with other local stakeholders, brought together more than 50 basic schools to compete in Science, Mathematics, critical thinking, speed and teamwork.

Obuasi SDA JHS students pose with trophy after winning Aseda FM Science and Maths Quiz 2026
Obuasi SDA JHS crowned champions of Aseda FM Science and Maths Quiz 2026

After several thrilling rounds, students of Obuasi SDA JHS demonstrated exceptional knowledge, confidence and teamwork to lift the coveted trophy.

A Legacy of Excellence

The latest victory further highlights Obuasi SDA JHS’s impressive record in the competition. The school won the 1st Edition, finished as 2nd Runners-Up in the 2nd Edition, and has now returned to the top by winning the 3rd Edition.

School authorities say the achievement reflects consistency, discipline, hard work and teamwork among the students, teachers and coaches who prepared for the competition.

Appreciation for Teachers, Parents and Supporters

Management of the school has expressed appreciation to the SDA Education Unit for its leadership and oversight of SDA schools in the Ashanti Region, particularly its emphasis on Christian values, discipline, integrity and responsibility in developing young people.

The school also commended its management, teachers and coaches for their dedication and rigorous preparation, while congratulating the champion students for making their teachers, parents, the SDA Church and the wider Obuasi community proud.

Further appreciation was extended to parents, church members, old students and community members for their prayers, encouragement and support throughout the competition.

School Appeals for Support

Following the victory, the school appealed to the SDA Education Unit, church leadership, parents, old students, corporate organizations and other stakeholders to support the institution with improved infrastructure, furniture, Science and Mathematics teaching materials and educational technology.

According to the school, such support would help strengthen teaching and learning and provide students with improved opportunities to develop their academic abilities.

The achievement places Obuasi SDA JHS among the standout performers of the Aseda FM Science and Maths Quiz and marks another significant moment for the school and the Obuasi community.

Photo: The three champion contestants of Obuasi SDA JHS pose with the trophy after winning the 3rd Edition of the Aseda FM Science and Maths Quiz 2026.

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Mahama: Democracy Must Deliver Food, Jobs and Healthcare, Not Just Elections

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President John Dramani Mahama has called for democracy to be measured not only by elections and constitutional processes, but also by its ability to improve the everyday lives of citizens.

Mahama: Democracy Must Deliver Food, Jobs and Healthcare — Not Just Elections

Speaking at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, September 24, 2026, President Mahama said democratic governance must translate into tangible social and economic benefits for citizens.

“I have always believed that democracy must deliver tangible social benefits,” President Mahama said, stressing that citizens should experience democracy not only through the ballot box but also through improved access to food, quality education, decent housing, accessible healthcare and economic opportunities.

According to the President, economic growth and democratic governance must ultimately have a direct impact on people’s living conditions. He said macroeconomic indicators would mean little if they did not translate into improvements in the daily lives of citizens.

President Mahama highlighted his administration’s infrastructure agenda, including the construction of roads, schools and health facilities, as well as efforts to expand digital connectivity and improve access to basic services.

He also pointed to the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme and the proposed New Ghana, New Economy policy as initiatives intended to expand production, promote value addition and create jobs.

On healthcare, President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s Free Primary Healthcare Programme, which he said is designed to provide essential primary healthcare services at the community level without direct cost to beneficiaries. He also referenced the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCare, which he said is intended to support people living with serious non-communicable diseases.

The President further argued that democracy must protect vulnerable citizens and ensure that political freedoms are accompanied by meaningful opportunities to improve livelihoods.

“Democracy loses its soul when it protects elite privileges while abandoning the vulnerable,” he said.

President Mahama also reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to constitutional governance, the rule of law, human rights and peaceful transitions of power, while linking the country’s democratic experience to its broader role in Africa and the international community.

His remarks formed part of a wider address at the UN General Assembly in which he discussed Ghana’s economic programme, healthcare, infrastructure, climate change, global governance and Africa’s role in the international system.

Source: MyJoyOnline / President John Dramani Mahama’s UN General Assembly address.

2 teenage boys leak sex tape after gang-raping JHS girl at knife-point in Damongo

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2 Damongo two teenagers (names withheld) have gang-raped a Junior High School (JHS) student, recorded the act and are circulating it on various social media platforms in Damongo in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region, GhanaMedia.net can report.

The less than 2 minutes video recorded by the two boys saw them take turns to sleep with the girl as she screamed and fought them off unsuccessfully. The two boys threatened her with a knife and even gave her a cut on her neck when she attempted to scream and draw attention, as first reported by Bole-based Nkilgi FM.

As usual, we are unable to put out the video of the incident due to our editorial policy.

The two boys have since been arrested and in police custody, at Damongo while their trial has begun in the Bole Circuit court.

GhanaMedia.net learned local Chief Imams and some elders in Damongo are making efforts to impress on the father of the girl to withdraw the case and solve it as a family matter.

Narrating what actually happened, the father of the victim (name withheld) Mr Moro Zakaria, said his daughter was returning from town after buying books at a shop in Damongo town at about 8:00pm weeks ago.

He said a young boy Mushazu (not real name) offered his daughter a lift on his motorbike since they all reside in the same area in Damongo called Ngbaripe. The victim who is a JHS girl on the way to the house with Mushazu heard him making a call to his friend to meet him immediately in the house. Mushazu took the young girl straight to his house despite the victim telling him to stop for her to walk home since they had gotten to their area but Mushazu continued speeding till they got to his house.

He told the young girl she should exercise patience and sit in his verandah and that he just wanted to take something in the room and give to her to send to someone for him. Mr Moro Zakaria said while sitting in the verandah, Mushazu’s friend called Labaran (also not his real name) came around and quickly brought out two knives and threatened to stab the young girl should she try to raise an alarm as they dragged her into the room.

The overpowered young girl complied and followed them to an awaiting opened room. She tried to resist but the boys forcefully had sex with her. As she tried to scream, Labaran gave her a cut on her neck to warn her to keep quiet.

The young girl succumbed to the boys to prevent them from stabbing or killing her. The young girl was subjected to several rounds of rough sex in turns with the two boys callously taking videos in turns. The boys after the act warned the young girl not to disclose to anybody what happened else she will be killed.

Out of fear, the victim went silent over the sexual assault on her for a week but surprisingly the boys released the videos to the general public. boys leak sextape after gang-raping JHS girl at knife-point.

Xi Jinping Arrives in U.S. for State Visit as Trump Personally Welcomes Him

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Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in the United States for a state visit, receiving a personal welcome from U.S. President Donald Trump at Joint Base Andrews as Washington and Beijing seek to manage relations between the world’s two largest economies.

Xi arrived in the Washington area on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, accompanied by his wife, Peng Liyuan. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump greeted the Chinese presidential couple at the airport in a rare planeside welcome for a visiting foreign leader.

Xi Jinping Arrives in U.S. as Trump Gives Rare Personal Welcome

The arrival featured a red carpet, honour guards and a 21-gun salute, while American children presented flowers to Xi and Peng. The welcome marked the beginning of Xi’s three-day state visit to the United States.

On Thursday, Trump and Melania Trump hosted Xi and Peng at a formal State Arrival Ceremony at the White House. The programme included military honours, national anthems, a military review and a flyover, underscoring the ceremonial significance attached to the visit.

The visit comes as the United States and China continue discussions on several major areas of bilateral relations, including trade, artificial intelligence, rare-earth materials and broader strategic issues. Reporting on the talks also identifies Taiwan and Iran among the international issues surrounding the leaders’ discussions.

Xi said upon arrival that China and the United States should work in the same direction and pursue a relationship characterised by cooperation, manageable differences and dialogue. He also said he looked forward to in-depth exchanges with Trump on bilateral relations and international issues.

The White House said the state visit is taking place more than a decade after Xi’s previous visit to the White House and includes formal meetings, a state dinner and further engagements in Washington.

Trump’s decision to personally greet Xi at Joint Base Andrews has attracted particular attention because such a planeside welcome is unusual for a U.S. president. The two leaders are now holding discussions against a backdrop of continuing competition and efforts to maintain dialogue between Washington and Beijing.

GhanaMedia.net will continue to follow developments from the Xi-Trump state visit and report significant developments as they emerge.

High Court Rejects Bail for Nurse Salomey Awiti Baffoe in Ghana Jollof Case

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The High Court in Accra has refused a bail application filed on behalf of Senior Nursing Officer Salomey Awiti Baffoe, who is facing an abetment charge in connection with the ongoing “Ghana Jollof” social media case.

The ruling was delivered on Thursday, September 24, 2026, after the prosecution opposed her release, arguing that her continued detention was necessary because investigations were still ongoing.

According to reports on the ruling, the court was concerned that releasing Ms Baffoe at this stage could create a risk of interference with witnesses or ongoing cyber-related investigations. The court consequently declined the bail application and directed the prosecution to expedite its investigations.

Ms Baffoe, a 40-year-old senior nursing officer from Techiman, was previously remanded by the Adentan Circuit Court after pleading not guilty to a charge of abetment of crime relating to the alleged publication and circulation of false news on social media.

Police allegations link the case to UK-based TikTok personality Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, popularly known as “Ghana Jollof”. Authorities allege that Ms Baffoe acted as a liaison and assisted with the distribution of videos associated with the account. The allegations remain before the court and have not been established as facts against Ms Baffoe, who has pleaded not guilty.

Her legal team has challenged the decision. Lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah said the defence intends to appeal the High Court’s refusal and is also considering steps to have the matter heard expeditiously during the court vacation.

A member of the defence team, Enoch Afoakwa, has separately disputed the basis for the court’s concern about interference, arguing that there was no evidence before the court demonstrating that Ms Baffoe had the ability to interfere with the ongoing investigations or witnesses.

Ms Baffoe is expected to return before the Adentan Circuit Court on September 30, 2026, as the legal process continues.

GhanaMedia.net will continue to follow the case and report developments as they emerge from the courts.

NEW TWIST IN NANA YAW “DINERO” CASE — THREE SUSPECTS ARRESTED AS NEW WHATSAPP DETAILS EMERGE

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Fresh developments have deepened the mystery surrounding the disappearance of popular Circle phone dealer Nana Yaw Kyere, popularly known as “Dinero” or “Terry,” after reports emerged that three suspects have been arrested in connection with the case.

Nana Yaw disappeared after travelling to Teshie, Accra, with unusual WhatsApp communications from his phone subsequently raising concerns among his family, friends and associates. His Honda Civic was also later located in connection with the investigation. Multiple Ghanaian media reports have reported the arrest of three suspects as investigators work to establish what happened to him.

But a new twist has now emerged.

Newly circulated WhatsApp conversations reportedly present a different account of why Nana Yaw went to Teshie that night. While initial reports indicated that he had travelled there in connection with a phone business transaction, the messages reviewed by GhanaMedia reportedly suggest that he may have gone to meet a woman who had repeatedly been asking to see him.

According to the messages, Nana Yaw reportedly communicated with a close associate during the night and at one point allegedly wrote: “Suave they set me up.”

He reportedly shared his location and a photograph of the room where he was, apparently allowing his associate to know where he was if something went wrong.

Another message allegedly followed, stating: “The soldiers are here so relax.”

Later, around 3:42 a.m., another message reportedly came through claiming: “We resolve the matter. So I dey go.” His associate reportedly replied: “Sharp.”

That exchange was reportedly the last communication received from Nana Yaw.

When he failed to return home and could no longer be reached, concern escalated. His family and associates subsequently began searching for him and publicly appealed for information.

POLICE ARREST THREE SUSPECTS

The investigation has since taken a significant turn. Reports published by Ghanaian media indicate that three suspects have been arrested in connection with Nana Yaw’s disappearance. His vehicle was also recovered as investigators continued efforts to establish what happened after he travelled to Teshie.

The arrests are expected to assist investigators in piecing together the events surrounding his disappearance and determining his whereabouts.

WHAT ABOUT THE REPORTS THAT NANA YAW WAS KILLED?

GhanaMedia has separately reviewed and reported on disturbing material circulating online claiming that Nana Yaw was kidnapped, killed and buried. Memorial-style posts and messages mourning him have also circulated widely.

However, editorially, an important distinction must be maintained: the circulating material has not been independently established by GhanaMedia as an official confirmation of death. GhanaMedia’s earlier investigation specifically noted that it had not seen an official death certificate, autopsy report, police statement, hospital record or family confirmation establishing the circumstances of his alleged death.

Other Ghanaian reports published on September 24, 2026 have also described Nana Yaw as reportedly dead, but the available reporting continues to use qualified language while investigations develop.

SO, WHAT REALLY HAPPENED TO DINERO?

That remains the central question.

The reported WhatsApp exchanges, the recovery of his vehicle, the arrest of three suspects and the subsequent reports claiming that he was killed have all added new layers to a case that began with his disappearance in Teshie.

What remains to be established is exactly what happened to Nana Yaw after he entered the Teshie location, who was with him, what happened during the early hours of the morning and whether the claims circulating about his death can be officially substantiated.

GhanaMedia will continue following the investigation and will distinguish between information contained in circulating messages, accounts from associates, media reports and facts officially confirmed by investigators or Nana Yaw’s family.

Anyone with information that could assist investigators in establishing Nana Yaw Kyere’s whereabouts or what happened to him is urged to contact the nearest police station.

Editor’s note: This report distinguishes between reported developments, circulating claims and independently established facts. Claims concerning Nana Yaw Kyere’s alleged death remain subject to authoritative confirmation.

Nana Yaw Kyere: New Claims Say Missing Phone Dealer Was Killed

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Nana Yaw Kyere, popularly known as Terry or Dinero, has been at the centre of an ongoing investigation following his disappearance in Teshie.

Fresh and disturbing claims have emerged in the case of missing Circle phone dealer Nana Yaw Kyere, popularly known as Terry or Dinero, with material circulating online now alleging that he was kidnapped, killed and buried.

The latest claims follow days of uncertainty surrounding Nana Yaw’s disappearance after he travelled to Teshie, Accra, for a phone business transaction. His disappearance triggered concern among his family, friends and colleagues, particularly after unusual WhatsApp messages were reportedly sent from his phone.

Images reviewed by GhanaMedia.net include what appears to be a memorial-style post describing Nana Yaw as having been abducted and subsequently killed. Another image carries a tribute reading “Rest well nana” alongside a broken-heart emoji. A separate WhatsApp-style screenshot also contains a message referring to his death.

However, the claims contained in the circulating images have not been independently established by GhanaMedia.net as an official finding. GhanaMedia’s earlier investigation also noted that screenshots and private messages alone cannot establish the circumstances or cause of a person’s death

Nana Yaw was initially reported missing after travelling to Teshie for a phone transaction. Reports said he communicated with an associate and allegedly claimed through WhatsApp that he had been “set up” by a girl in a room. A photograph and location were reportedly shared before later disappearing from the conversation.

His Honda Civic, bearing registration number DV B9055, was subsequently located. The development was followed by reports that suspects had been arrested in connection with the disappearance. Metro TV and other Ghanaian media outlets reported that three suspects had been arrested as investigators worked to establish what happened to the phone dealer.

The reported arrests represent a significant development in the case, but the available public reports reviewed by GhanaMedia.net do not yet provide an official account establishing that Nana Yaw was kidnapped and murdered, nor do they publicly establish where he is or the circumstances of any alleged death.

The images circulating online have nevertheless intensified concern among Nana Yaw’s friends, colleagues and wider social-media community, with some posts now mourning him as though his death has been confirmed.

GhanaMedia.net will continue following the investigation and will distinguish between information contained in circulating social-media material, statements from associates and developments officially confirmed by investigators or Nana Yaw’s family.

For now, the case remains under investigation, with the reported arrests and recovery of the vehicle providing important developments as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding Nana Yaw Kyere’s disappearance.

COCOBOD Engages International Cocoa Traders Ahead of 2026/27 Season

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COCOBOD leadership engages international cocoa trading partners in London ahead of Ghana’s 2026/27 cocoa season.

The Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr. Ransford Abbey, together with his Deputy in charge of Finance and Administration, Mr. Ato Boateng, has held a strategic engagement with leading international cocoa trading companies in London as Ghana prepares for the 2026/27 cocoa season.

The meeting, convened by Ghana Cocoa Marketing Company (UK) Ltd. (GCMC UK), brought together representatives of major international cocoa trading and processing companies with longstanding commercial relationships with Ghana’s cocoa sector.

The engagement formed part of COCOBOD’s efforts to maintain open dialogue with key stakeholders and keep trading partners informed as Ghana implements reforms aimed at strengthening the sustainability, efficiency and competitiveness of the cocoa sector.

Key issues discussed

Discussions focused on the newly enacted Ghana Cocoa Board Act, 2026 (Act 1182), the proposed cocoa sector financing framework, preparations for the 2026/27 cocoa season, and other operational and commercial matters relevant to industry participants.

Among the key areas discussed were the proposed commercial paper and bond financing programme, liquidity arrangements for the new season, the role of private-sector financing in supporting Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), readiness for implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and opportunities to strengthen collaboration between COCOBOD and international trading partners.

The discussions were characterised by open, constructive and forward-looking exchanges between COCOBOD leadership and representatives of the international cocoa trade.

Trading partners engage COCOBOD leadership

Participants welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with COCOBOD’s leadership and exchange perspectives on strengthening Ghana’s cocoa sector and supporting a successful start to the new cocoa season.

COCOBOD reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, stakeholder engagement and continuous collaboration with its international trading partners as implementation arrangements for the new financing framework continue to evolve.

The meeting also reinforced the longstanding relationship between Ghana and the international cocoa trade and highlighted a shared commitment to maintaining Ghana’s position as a trusted origin of premium cocoa.

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